JP2007143109A - Image reading device and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading device which can be connected directly to an arbitrary printer adaptable to a predetermined communications standard, can print an image with the size or layout desired by a user regardlessly of the internal setup of the printer. <P>SOLUTION: This image reading device comprises: an image detecting portion reading an original image; an image data generating portion generating original image data; an image data outputting portion which outputs image data with a communication mode which can be received by a printer supporting a predetermined communication standard and which renders an image represented by the image data printable with the printer; and an image correction processing portion correcting the original image data based on image data for modification obtained by reading a reference image containing a predetermined pattern printed through the printer, thereby printing an original image with the desired size or layout in the printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads an image drawn on paper, a plastic sheet, or other medium to generate and output image data, and more particularly, a printing apparatus without using a personal computer (personal computer). The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus configured to transmit image data to and print an image. The present invention also relates to a printing system comprising the image reading apparatus as described above and a printing apparatus that receives image data and prints an image.

  With the spread of personal computers, an image reading device (for example, an image scanner) as a peripheral device can be used inexpensively and easily in a general home or office. As long as the image reading device and the printing device are connected to a personal computer, an image on a medium such as paper can be taken into the personal computer as digitized image data and copied / printed. Thus, in the past, other than using a simple stencil printing device such as “Print Gokko” (product name), etc., one by one by handwriting, cutting and pasting (printing, etc.), or requesting a specialized printing company etc. The creation of various printed materials such as New Year's cards, summer greetings, Christmas cards, flyers, and flyers that can only be done by anyone is now relatively easy. In addition, the image quality of the printed image is comparable to that of a silver salt photograph by improving the image sensor of the image reading device and the inkjet technology of the printing device. Furthermore, if an appropriate application or software is used, image editing can be freely performed on a personal computer.

In image duplication / printing using the personal computer, image reading apparatus, and printing apparatus described above, all processing is performed under the control of the personal computer, so that it is naturally necessary to prepare and operate the personal computer. However, compared to image reading devices and printing devices, personal computers are more expensive, and for users who only want to copy and print images on media such as paper, such as creating New Year's cards, personal computers are expensive. It will be a device that passes. In addition, the operation of a personal computer may be troublesome and difficult for a user who has created / replicated New Year's cards by handwriting, cutting and pasting, a small stencil printing machine, or the like. Therefore, as described in the following Patent Documents 1-5 by the same applicant as the present applicant, an image that is directly output to a printing apparatus and printed without the need for a personal computer is printed on the printing apparatus. A reading and printing system (postcard preparation machine) was invented. According to such an image reading / printing system, an image of a manuscript created by handwriting, cutting and pasting is read by an image reading device with a simple button operation, and a copy of the image on the manuscript is printed by the printing device. Therefore, it is much cheaper than using a personal computer, and even for generations and small children who are not familiar with personal computers, it is relatively easy to receive invitations for small events such as New Year's cards, postcards, birthday parties and Christmas parties. Easy to copy and print.
JP 2004-104665 A JP 2005-22307 A JP 2005-22836 A JP-A-2005-27140 JP 2005-27141 A JP 2003-274155 A

  By the way, in the market, personal computers and their peripheral devices, that is, image reading devices, printing devices, etc. are already manufactured and sold by many manufacturers, and users consider the performance and price of the devices. , You can choose your favorite model. The communication method between the personal computer and the peripheral device corresponds to a predetermined communication standard. For example, it is possible to connect the scanner of B company and the printing device of C company to the personal computer of A company. . In particular, regarding a printing apparatus, a communication standard has been proposed that enables an image to be printed by transmitting image data of a predetermined image format to the printing apparatus using a predetermined communication method (a typical one is PictBridge), between the printer and digital camera (or image data memory) that supports the specified communication standard, image data can be sent and received between any model without going through a personal computer. It is possible to print photos. Therefore, in the image reading / printing system such as the so-called “postcard preparation machine”, the image data output communication method of the image reading device is a predetermined data transmission directly to the printing device to execute printing. If it is based on the communication standard, any type of printing apparatus (out of the ones corresponding to the predetermined communication standard) can be used.

  However, even if the communication method of image data output of the image reading apparatus conforms to a communication standard that directly transmits data to the printing apparatus and executes printing, the printing medium (paper, plastic sheet, etc.) of the printing apparatus is used. However, the image is not always printed as expected by the user.

  Generally, digitized image data is a set of pixels having a certain luminance value (in the case of a color image, luminance values for each of color components (for example, R, G, B)) and coordinates. Therefore, when printing an image by transmitting image data to a printing apparatus, the number of pixels arranged per unit length on the print medium (in other words, printing assigned to one pixel in the image data). It is necessary to specify the size of the area on the medium) or the size of the image on the print medium. However, in many printing apparatuses compliant with communication standards such as PictBridge designed mainly for printing photographic images taken with a digital camera or the like, the number of pixels per unit length on a print medium or The size of the image on the print medium is automatically set inside the printing apparatus, and the user can arbitrarily change the internal setting of the printing apparatus to adjust the size of the image on the print medium. Can not. In particular, in a printing apparatus that directly receives image data from a digital camera or the like as described above and prints an image, the so-called “borderless printing”, that is, the image on the entire surface of the printing medium without leaving a margin in the peripheral portion. When the method of printing is executed, as illustrated in FIG. 13 (upper right), the received image data is slightly larger than the print medium, that is, the edge of the image represented by the image data ( The number of pixels per unit length or the size of the image is set so that the peripheral edge protrudes from the print medium, and the image is printed (in the case of an inkjet printer, the image data transmitted to the printer) Ink is sprayed to the border of the print medium by scanning the inkjet section so that the peripheral edge of the image represented by is slightly protruding from the print medium. For example, the Patent Document 6.). Thus, when the image data of the document read by the image reading device is transmitted to the printing device as it is when executing “borderless printing”, the printed image lacks the peripheral portion, and the dimensions of the document and the printing medium If they are the same, the image will be enlarged compared to the original image (bottom in FIG. 13). The width of the edge of the image that protrudes from the print medium and the direction of protrusion, in other words, the size and position of the area actually printed on the print medium in the image data transmitted to the printing apparatus (error in the size of the print medium) The center of the image data that is regularly transmitted may not match the center of the print medium due to a paper (print medium) feed error or the like of the printing apparatus. Also, it differs depending on the model of the printing apparatus.

  It is very inconvenient for the user of the image reading apparatus that the area printed on the printing medium among the images transmitted from the image reading apparatus or the size of the transmitted image on the printing medium cannot be adjusted. Moreover, it causes discomfort. For example, a user of an image reading / printing system such as the above-mentioned “postcard preparation machine” generally expects an image created on a manuscript, such as a New Year's card or Christmas card, to be reproduced and printed as it is with the same dimensions. However, if the size of the actual printed image is different from the size of the original image or the peripheral edge of the image is inadvertently missing, the user will be considerably uncomfortable. . In such a case, the size and position of the image on the document must be adjusted so that the image of the document can be printed with the expected dimensions without missing the peripheral part. Considering the settings in the printing apparatus when creating a document in step 1, or recreating a document once created on a paper medium is a very troublesome operation. Of course, if the image is captured on a personal computer, the image data can be easily enlarged, reduced, or adjusted for layout. The original purpose of being easy is not achieved.

  If the image reading device does not require a personal computer, the image data can be directly output to an arbitrary printing device to cause the printing device to print the image, or the peripheral portion may be inadvertently missing. If it becomes possible to print an image without betraying the user's expectation, copying and printing of various images can be performed more easily and easily. Further, in that case, considering the purpose of copying the original such as a New Year's card or Christmas card with the image reading device, at least an image having substantially the same or substantially the same size as the original image can be printed. It is preferable. Furthermore, when printing an image using such an image reading apparatus, it is preferable that the operation of the apparatus performed by the user is simple.

  One object of the present invention is to directly communicate with an arbitrary printing apparatus corresponding to at least a predetermined communication standard in view of the problems in the prior art as described above, and directly read an image on a document to the printing apparatus. An image reading apparatus capable of printing on a printing medium, on an arbitrary size or layout intended or planned by a user, or on a desired size on a print medium regardless of internal settings of the printing apparatus Another object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of printing an image with a desired layout. In the following, an image on a document is referred to as a “document image”, and an image printed on a print medium is referred to as a “print image”. Data representing an image is referred to as “image data”. Of the image or image data transmitted to the printing apparatus, the area printed on the print medium is a “print area” (see the upper right in FIG. 13).

  Generally speaking, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention optically reads an image on a document and generates a signal representing the image, and an image for generating image data based on the signal representing the image. Image data output by a data generation unit and a communication method that allows image data to be received by any printing device that supports a predetermined communication standard and enables printing of the image corresponding to the image data by the printing device Output part. Therefore, according to the present invention, printing of an image read by the image reading apparatus can be executed without using a personal computer by an arbitrary printing apparatus corresponding to the communication method of the image data output unit. The image reading apparatus of the present invention is typically an image scanner of a type in which a document is fixed and the image detection unit automatically scans the document to read the image. It should be understood that it may be a scanner or other type of image reading device.

  Further, the image reading apparatus of the present invention outputs a reference image data representing a reference image including a predetermined pattern from the image data output unit and prints the print image printed on the print medium by the printing device. Based on the correction image data generated by the read image data generation unit, an image correction processing unit for correcting image data (original image data) generated by reading the original may be provided.

  As described above, when the image captured by the image reading device is transmitted to the printing device as image data that is a set of pixels and the print image is printed, the image data that is actually transmitted is printed on the print medium. The number of pixels per unit length (of transmitted image data) on the print area or print medium is left to the internal setting of the printing apparatus. In other words, the user does not know how the image read by the image reading device is printed in the printing device without actually printing it. In this case, an image created on a document by folding, handwriting, cutting and pasting may not be printed as expected by the user and may be wasted. Therefore, in the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the reference image data representing the reference image including a predetermined pattern is output to the printing apparatus by the image correction processing unit as described above before the original image is printed. Information on how to print the received image data by printing the print image of the image, taking the print image of the reference image via the image detection unit, and printing the image data received by the printing device connected to the image reading device, The printer is configured to acquire information on internal settings of the printing apparatus. The image data obtained by taking the print image of the reference image, that is, the correction image data, includes an area of the image data received by the printing apparatus that is actually printed on the print medium, or the received image data as the print medium. The internal settings of the printing apparatus such as the number of pixels per unit length when printing above are reflected. Therefore, image data (corrected document image data) generated by analyzing the correction image data to comprehend the internal settings of the printing apparatus and correcting the document image data based on the analysis result of the correction image data. By transmitting to the printing apparatus, it is possible to print a print image corresponding to the original image with a desired size or a desired layout on the print medium. Whether or not the document image data is corrected by the image correction processing unit may be selectively determined. (Otherwise, the reference image for acquiring the correction image data cannot be printed.)

  In the above-described image correction processing unit, as one aspect for acquiring the internal setting information of the printing apparatus, the reference image output from the image data output unit based on the reference image data and the correction image data Of the image represented by the data, an area printed on the printing medium may be detected by the printing apparatus, and the document image data may be corrected based on the detected information on the area.

  When a printing apparatus that can operate by being directly connected to the image reading apparatus of the present invention receives image data of a certain size in the borderless printing mode (hereinafter referred to as “the dimension of the image data”, This is the number of pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions of the image data.) Inside the printing device, the size of the print image of the image data or the number of pixels per unit length at the time of printing is set as appropriate. As a result, only a certain area of the received image data is printed on the print medium. Since the correction image data represents an area (print area) actually printed on the print medium of the reference image data transmitted to the printing apparatus, the reference image data and the correction image data are By comparing, it is possible to detect the print area in the image represented by the transmitted image data. Thus, the original image data is appropriately corrected so that the original image fits within the print area, or the image is arranged and assigned in a desired layout within the print area, and the correction is performed. By sending the processed image data to the printing device, it is possible to prevent the peripheral portion of the image from being cut off unexpectedly for the user or the size of the image from being as expected by the user. In addition, the user does not have to worry about the internal settings of the printing apparatus when creating a document.

  When correcting the document image data based on the information of the area printed on the print medium, the size of the document image data is the size of the reference image data output from the image data output unit and the printing of the image data. Correction may be made based on a ratio to the size of the region. The size of the reference image data corresponds to the overall size of the image data output from the image reading device, and the size of the print area in the reference image data is actually printed out of the image data output from the image reading device. Therefore, if the size of the document image data in the transmitted image data is adjusted based on the ratio between the size of the reference image data and the size of the print region of the reference image data, An image can be printed in a desired size on the print medium. In addition, since the position of the print area in the reference image represented by the reference image data represents the position of the area actually placed on the print medium in the image data transmitted to the printing apparatus, the print area in the reference image If the position of the document image data in the transmitted image data is adjusted using the position, the image can be printed at the target position on the print medium. In the correction, whether to use both the ratio and the position of the print area or one of them may be appropriately selected according to the manufacturing cost of the product, the necessity of the correction process, etc. In any case, it should be understood that it falls within the scope of the present invention.

  By the way, in currently popular printing apparatuses, generally, received image data is printed on a print medium with a substantially uniform number of pixels per unit length (the aspect ratio of an image is May be changed.) Therefore, if the size of the predetermined pattern in the image represented by the reference image data is detected or analyzed at what size or at which position the print medium of the image data received by the printing apparatus is detected. The number of pixels per unit length above or the area actually printed on the print medium can be detected from the image data received by the printing apparatus. Thus, as one aspect, the image correction processing unit performs a document image based on the size of a predetermined pattern in the image represented by the reference image data and the size of the pattern in the image represented by the correction image data corresponding to the pattern. The size of the data may be corrected, and the position of a predetermined pattern in the image represented by the reference image data and the position of the pattern in the image represented by the correction image data corresponding to the pattern The document image data may be corrected based on the basis. As the predetermined pattern, a figure that entirely fits in the print area, or a figure that can be detected from the portion of the pattern that protrudes from the print area but is placed on the print medium may be used. Further, as the predetermined pattern, an arbitrary figure capable of detecting the width of the peripheral edge protruding from the print medium in the print image of the reference image may be employed.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, when the original image data is corrected by using the reference image data having the predetermined pattern and the correction image data obtained from the print image to generate corrected original image data. Is the ratio of the size of the predetermined pattern in the reference image data to the size of the printed image of the predetermined pattern in the correction image data (hereinafter referred to as “variable magnification”) and the reference image data. A deviation (hereinafter referred to as “shift amount”) between the position of the predetermined pattern in the correction image data and the position of the print image of the predetermined pattern in the correction image data is calculated, and these values are the original image. This is used as a correction parameter for correcting the data to generate corrected document image data. The “magnification” and “shift amount” are amounts obtained from an image obtained as a result of printing the reference image data in a state where the print area of the reference image data transmitted to the printing apparatus is aligned with the print medium. It is. Therefore, by using these parameters, the size and position of the print area in the image data received by the printing apparatus can be detected, and the print area of the image data (corrected document image data) to be transmitted to the printing apparatus. In addition, it is possible to prepare an image read by an image reading apparatus or an image to be printed on a print medium in a state where the image is appropriately arranged or allocated. (See the note below.) Thus, when the obtained corrected original image data is transmitted to the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus adjusts and prints the image representing the entire corrected original image data so that it protrudes from the printing medium. In this case, the print area of the corrected document image data coincides with the print medium, so that the image is printed on the print medium with a desired size or a desired layout. It should be understood that, in the process of preparing the corrected document image data, it is possible to generate the corrected document image data using the correction parameters without specifically specifying the size and position of the print area. Such a case should be within the scope of the present invention. (Note: When the size of the reference image data is the same as the size of the image data generated by the image data generation unit when an image of the same actual size as the print medium is read by the image detection unit, This corresponds to the reciprocal of the ratio of the size of the print area of the image data to the size of the transmitted image data, and the “shift amount” is the center of the transmitted image data and the print area of the image data. This corresponds to the product of the center shift multiplied by “magnification ratio.” Note that if the size of the reference image data is different from the size of the image data read and generated by the image detection unit, or When the dimensions of the reading area and the printing medium are different, the correction parameters are converted according to the dimensions of the reference image data, the dimensions of the printing medium (actual size), the resolution at the time of image reading of the image detection unit, etc. Sending The ratio of the size of the print area of the image data to the size of the image data and the shift between the center of the transmitted image data and the center of the print area of the image data are calculated, and printing in the transmitted image data is performed. The area can be specified.)

  In the image correction processing unit, the reference image data may be stored in advance in the reference image data storage unit, or generated by reading a reference image document prepared in advance with the image detection unit. May be. In the former case, when the correction image data is acquired, it is advantageous in that the image reading operation only needs to read the print image of the reference image. However, in the latter case, the provision of the reference image data storage unit can be omitted. This is advantageous.

  In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, as described above, after obtaining the correction image data, the corrected document image data in a state in which the image correction processing unit assigns the image to be printed on the print medium to the print area. In one embodiment, the mount image data may be generated and the document image data may be pasted on the mount image data. Here, “mounting image data” is image data that defines the entire area of the image represented by the image data transmitted from the image data output unit to the printing apparatus. As another mode of generating corrected document image data from document image data, frame data may be added to the periphery of the document image data. Regardless of whether the original image data is pasted to the mount image data or the frame data is added to the original image data, the image data transmitted from the image data output unit, that is, the corrected original image data is the original image on the print medium. The original image data is arranged or allocated in the print area in the transmitted image data so that the image is printed with a desired size or a desired layout. When such corrected original image data is transmitted to the printing apparatus, when the printing apparatus matches the entire area of the corrected original image data with the area to which ink or toner is applied, the size and position of the print area of the corrected original image data are In alignment with the print medium, the image in the print area is printed on the print medium. Thus, the user can create an original and read the original into the image reading apparatus without worrying about the setting of the printing apparatus, and can print an image printed on the print medium in a desired size or a desired layout. It becomes possible to obtain a printed matter.

  It should be understood that when generating the corrected document image data, the document image data may be appropriately enlarged or reduced. When the printing apparatus accepts image data of an arbitrary size, the document image data is not transmitted because of the data communication speed, the image quality of the print image, the size of the print medium, the layout of the image on the print medium, or other reasons. It may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced. On the other hand, if the printing device accepts only image data of a specific size, the size of the image data for mount or the frame data is set to match the size of the image data that can be received by the printing device, and the print image is desired. The original image data may be reduced as necessary in order to be printed in a desired size or a desired layout. Some printing apparatuses cannot handle image data larger than a specific size (number of pixels) due to the limitation of the internal memory capacity or internal image processing parameters. In such a case, the image data may be reduced and transmitted.

  In operation, the image reading apparatus of the present invention may be selectable to operate in a normal mode or a calibration mode. When the calibration mode is selected, the reference image data is output via the image data output unit, and the correction image data is generated by reading the print image of the reference image data with the image detection unit. On the other hand, when the normal mode is selected, corrected document image data obtained by correcting the document image data by the image correction processing unit is output via the image data output unit. Preferably, when the calibration mode is selected, the correction parameters necessary for generating the corrected document image data from the document image data are automatically calculated from the correction image data and the reference image data by the image correction processing unit. When the normal mode is selected, the corrected document image data is automatically generated from the document image data using the correction parameters. In particular, the calculation of correction parameters and the generation of corrected document image data using the correction parameters are automatically performed, so that it becomes even easier for the user to copy and print an image.

  In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the size and layout of a print image printed by the printing apparatus can be arbitrarily selected. As described above, when a document created by handwriting or cutting and pasting, such as a New Year's card or Christmas card, is printed using an image reading device, the user must have substantially the same image on the document. In many cases, it is expected to be duplicate printed with dimensions. Therefore, preferably, the image correction processing unit is configured to selectively generate the corrected document image data so that the print image is printed with substantially the same size as the document image. However, since there may be a case where the read document has a border or a margin, the image correction processing unit selectively corrects the corrected document image so that a border is provided at the peripheral portion of the print image on the print medium. Data may be generated. Conversely, the corrected document image data is generated so that the marginal portion of the document image is cut off so that the marginal shadow of the document medium does not appear or a margin due to the displacement of the print medium does not occur. It may be like this. When providing a margin at the peripheral edge of the printed image or cutting out the peripheral edge of the original image, it is preferable that the width of the margin or the width to be cut out can be set by the user. Furthermore, there is a case where a plurality of document images are arranged in a desired layout and printed on a so-called “multi-face printing” mode, that is, on a single print medium. Accordingly, the image correction processing unit may selectively generate corrected document image data so that a plurality of print images corresponding to the document image are printed in a desired layout on the print medium. .

  It should be understood that in the present invention, the internal setting information of the printing apparatus is acquired when the image reading apparatus acquires the above-described correction image data or operates as described in the “calibration mode”. That is, the size of the area actually printed on the print medium of the image data transmitted from the image data output unit or the size of the image represented by the image data transmitted from the image data output unit on the print medium. It is a point that information can be acquired. Therefore, at the stage of executing duplicate printing of the image, the image to be printed can be printed on the print medium in any size or layout while using the internal setting information of the printing apparatus acquired in advance. Editing can be performed so that a print image is generated. And if you set up an appropriate number of types of layouts in advance, even generations and children who are not familiar with personal computers can select the desired layout from among the preset layouts, Duplicate printing can be performed. The layout prepared in advance is appropriately configured by those skilled in the art, and may be other than those exemplified above, and such a case is understood to be included in the scope of the present invention. Should be.

  In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the size of the printing medium used in the printing apparatus or the resolution at the time of printing (the number of dots of ink or toner or other pigments per unit length) is further set. A printing device setting unit may be provided. This makes it easy for the user to execute printing on a print medium with a desired size or with a desired image quality. For example, the size of the original read by the image reading apparatus and the size of the print medium may be different.

  The principle of the present invention described above is that arbitrary image data in a predetermined image format can be received by an arbitrary printing device corresponding to a predetermined communication standard, and an image corresponding to arbitrary image data can be printed by the printing device. In addition to an image reading apparatus provided with an image data output unit that outputs in a communication method, an “image reading / printing system”, that is, an image reading apparatus and an image reading apparatus connected to the image reading apparatus It is understood that a system including a printing apparatus that prints an image corresponding to the image data on a print medium may be used for calibration so that the print image is printed from the original image as planned. Should be.

  In the present invention described above, what should be noted in particular is that, according to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, as a printing apparatus, a printing apparatus corresponding to a predetermined communication standard manufactured and sold by various manufacturers. It is that an arbitrary one can be selected. As is well known, the image quality and performance of a printed image printed by a printing apparatus vary widely depending on the manufacturer or model (although within the range corresponding to a predetermined communication standard, The advantage of being able to select any printing device is advantageous because the user can select a printing device according to their budget or preference. Further, a user who already has a printing apparatus does not need to purchase a separate printing apparatus only for copying / printing an image using the image reading apparatus.

  Further, according to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the configuration allows that the read original image is corrected and transmitted to the printing apparatus based on the internal setting information of the printing apparatus, so that the user can set the internal setting of the printing apparatus. It is possible to create or prepare a manuscript without worrying about the above, and according to this feature, the advantage that the above-described arbitrary printing apparatus can be selected can be used more effectively. As described above, in general, what size image data is printed on the print medium, or what area of the image data is actually printed on the print medium is determined by the printing apparatus. It differs for each model, and the state of the actually printed image will also be different. Therefore, the printing apparatus can narrow the selection depending on whether the printed state is acceptable or not for the user. However, according to the image correction processing unit of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, an image can be generated on the print medium with the image layout on the original or the image layout set by the image reading apparatus. Thus, the user can select a printing apparatus from a larger number of models without causing a problem with the internal setting of each printing apparatus.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, a particularly important advantage is that the original image can be printed and reproduced regardless of the internal setting of the connected printing apparatus. Only the range of the image read by the image reading device needs to be considered. As already described, the user group who wants to print / reproduce an image with the image reading device includes a generation or a small child who is not used to a personal computer trying to create a New Year's card or a Christmas card. For users who are not familiar with the operation of such personal computers and devices, it is quite troublesome to create a document taking care of the internal settings of the printing apparatus. However, according to the present invention, as long as an original is created so that the image reading apparatus can read it, an image exactly the same as the original image or an image having a desired size or layout can be printed. is there.

  Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

  The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figure, the same reference numerals indicate the same parts.

Overview of Image Reading Apparatus FIG. 1A shows the appearance (perspective view) of one preferred embodiment of an image reading apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The image reading apparatus 1 optically detects a so-called “image scanner”, that is, a manuscript image drawn on paper, a plastic sheet or the like or other medium while scanning (for example, illuminates a target to be read, The reflected light is detected by a light detecting element or device such as a CCD), and the detected image information may be converted into digital data. The image reading apparatus 1 may be a flat bed scanner type, that is, an apparatus that reads an image by placing an original document downward on a transparent plate member. As shown in Fig. 1, the upper and lower surfaces are made of a flat housing formed of a transparent plate member 3 (only the upper surface is shown in the figure), and the document is placed upward and placed on the lower side of the housing. (In the case of a scanner that places the document on the lower side of the housing, the user can check the document from the upper side of the scanner.) Is preferable.). On the upper surface of the image reading apparatus 1, an operation panel or a button 4 for a user to instruct or select an operation of the image reading apparatus is provided. The dimensions of the image reading apparatus 1 are typically dimensions that can read a postcard-size original, but may be dimensions that can read originals of other paper sizes such as B5 and A4. Although not shown in the drawings, a “handy scanner” may be used that reads the document image by manually moving the reading device on the document. In addition, the apparatus to which the present invention is applied may be an image reading apparatus that reads an image of the entire document in a batch, instead of scanning the document.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the image reading apparatus 1 is a printing apparatus 2 (typically an ink jet printer, but may be of other types) without using a personal computer. Connected directly to. The printing apparatus 2 may be an arbitrary printing apparatus corresponding to a predetermined communication standard. When image data is received, the printing apparatus 2 prints an image on a printing medium in accordance with the setting inside the apparatus or the setting transmitted by the image reading apparatus. . The communication standard between the image reading apparatus 1 and the printing apparatus 2 is typically PictBridge proposed for the purpose of printing a photograph by directly connecting a digital camera to a printing apparatus or a printing machine. Other communication standards may be used as long as the reading device 1 and the printing device 2 correspond to each other. In the illustrated example, transmission / reception of signals between the image reading apparatus 1 and the printing apparatus 2 is performed by wired communication (USB or the like) performed via the cable 5, but is not limited to Bluetooth (registered trademark) or infrared. May be performed by wireless data communication. Further, the image reading device 1 is provided with means for storing image data in a memory card (SD card or the like) 6 and the printing device 2 has a function of printing the image data stored in the corresponding memory card. If so, the image data may be exchanged via a memory card.

  The printing apparatus 2 that is directly connected to the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention and can print an image performs so-called “borderless printing” that prints an image without leaving a margin on the entire periphery of the printing medium. Is possible. When executing the “borderless printing” mode, the printing apparatus 2 performs printing so that the peripheral portion of the image represented by the received image data protrudes from the print medium.

  Referring to FIG. 13, for example, the image reading apparatus 1 has a resolution of 300 DPI (number of pixels per unit length), a postcard size, 148 × 100 mm in width, as shown in the upper left of FIG. The area is read to generate image data of 1748 vertical × 1181 horizontal pixels [that is, the size of one pixel of the image data corresponds to 0.085 mm on the read original. ], It is assumed that the image data is output to the printing apparatus 2 with the same dimensions. If the printing apparatus 2 prints on a postcard-sized printing medium at a resolution of 300 DPI, which is the same as the resolution at the time of reading by the image reading apparatus, in the case of “borderless printing”, the printing apparatus 2 The size of the entire image of the image data of 1748 × horizontal 1181 pix is changed to, for example, 1.03 to 1.05 times the size of the print medium, that is, 1800 × horizontal 1216 pix to 1835 × vertical 1240 pix. The image is doubled and printing is performed in a state where the peripheral portion of the image protrudes from the print medium by approximately 30 to 60 pix (approximately 3 to 5 mm) (upper right in FIG. 13). [The size of one pixel of image data generated by the image reading apparatus corresponds to 0.088 to 0.089 mm on the print medium. That is, even if the printing resolution (the number of dots of ink arranged per unit length) is 300 DPI, the image data transmitted from the image reading device is about 291 to 285 DPI on the print medium. Thus, in “borderless printing”, ink is applied across the edge of the print medium (overspray), so printing is performed without leaving a margin at the edge of the print medium. (FIG. 13 bottom).

  In the above-described “borderless printing”, in a typical printing apparatus used together with the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, the width of the peripheral edge protruding from the top, bottom, left, and right directions of the print medium is received. Regardless of the size of the image data, it is fixed to a predetermined value (determined according to the size of the print medium. Usually, about 3 to 5 mm for postcard-sized paper). In other words, at the time of “borderless printing”, when the size of the printing medium is determined in the printing apparatus, the area to which the ink is applied is determined to protrude from the edge of the printing medium by a predetermined width, The size of the image data is adjusted so that the area to which the ink is applied matches the size of the image represented by the received image data. Accordingly, the ratio and position of the size of the area (printing area) actually placed on the print medium in the transmitted image data are determined by the internal setting of the printing apparatus, regardless of the size of the transmitted image data. The width of the peripheral portion of the image that protrudes from each edge of the print medium, or the size and position of the area actually placed on the print medium in the image represented by the image data should be adjusted by the user. I can't. As a result, the image printed by transmitting the image data read by the image reading device 1 as it is is different in size from the image of the document, or the peripheral portion is missing, as illustrated in the lower part of FIG. In some cases, printing cannot be performed as expected by the user. In addition, the area actually placed on the print medium in the image represented by the image data varies depending on the model of the printing apparatus and the paper setting.

  Therefore, in the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, as described in the “Invention Disclosure” section, when printing is performed by the printing apparatus 2, the area on the print medium or the print data received by the printing apparatus 2 is printed. By detecting the width and direction of the peripheral edge protruding from the edge of the medium, or by detecting the size or position of a predetermined pattern in the image when printing the image data received by the printing apparatus, and using the detection result The image can be printed on the print medium in a desired size or desired layout (so that the edges of the image are not cut off inadvertently as shown in FIG. 13). A function for correcting the document image data is provided. In the following description, the printing apparatus 2 is set to the borderless printing mode, and the size of the printing medium is the entire range that can be read by one image reading of the image reading apparatus (image reading). It is assumed that the size is the same as the size of the reading area of the apparatus (for example, if the reading area of the image reading apparatus is a large postcard, a postcard-sized paper is used as the print medium). However, when the printing apparatus 2 is set to the bordered printing mode (a margin is provided at the peripheral edge of the printing medium) or other printing mode, or the printing medium dimension is the original dimension or the image reading apparatus reading It should be understood that the principles of the present invention can be applied even if they differ from the dimensions of the region, and that such cases are also within the scope of the present invention.

Configuration of Image Reading Device FIG. 1B shows the internal configuration of the image reading device 1 in the form of a block diagram. Referring to the figure, in the image reading apparatus 1, as in the known image reading apparatus, CPU 10, program memory 12, work memory 14, image memory 16, operation panel 20, USB control unit (image data output) Part) 22 and the scanner part 24 are connected to each other by a bidirectional common bus 26. The CPU 10 controls the operation of the image reading apparatus 1 by using the work memory 14 and other memories based on the system program stored in the program memory 12 in a mode described in detail later.

  The scanner unit 24 may be any type of image detection unit known in this field. To put it briefly, an image sensor unit (image detection unit) that applies light to a document image and detects the reflected light. 24a and a motor and motor control unit 24b for scanning the image sensor unit on the document. Under the control of the CPU 10, the light source / position of the image sensor unit 24 a is controlled via the I / O unit 24 c connected to the common bus 26, and the analog image information signal detected by the image sensor unit is converted into an A / D conversion unit. It is digitized by 24 d (image data generation unit) and stored in the image memory 16. Note that the image data read by the scanner unit 24 may be corrected in a known manner such as shading correction, color correction, gamma correction, and MTF correction in order to compensate for various characteristics of the image sensor. (Information for compensating the characteristics of the image sensor may be stored in the shading memory 28 and used as appropriate.)

  The operation panel 20 (reference numeral 4 in FIG. 1A) is a panel including operation buttons and a display as illustrated in FIG. 12, and is provided on the surface of the image reading apparatus 1. In a manner described in detail later, the user gives an instruction to the apparatus 1 via the operation panel 20 and can confirm the operation mode or other settings of the apparatus 1.

  As described above, the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present invention is connected to an arbitrary printing apparatus 2 corresponding to a predetermined communication standard, and can directly transmit image data to the printing apparatus 2 to print an image. . In order to achieve such an operation, in the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, under the control of the CPU 10, a printing apparatus control code is generated from image data to be transmitted so as to conform to a predetermined communication standard. The control code is further converted into a USB control code by the USB control unit (image data output unit) 22 and transmitted to the printing apparatus 2. The USB control unit 22 receives a control code such as the size and type of a print medium or paper that can be set in the printing apparatus according to a predetermined communication standard, or, if possible, the image quality and the resolution of the print image. It may be sent. In addition, when transmitting and receiving signals wirelessly with the printing apparatus 2, a signal transmission unit (not shown) may be provided, and when image data is given to the printing apparatus using a memory card, A drive 30 to / from which the memory card can be attached / detached may be provided (the memory card may be configured to store arbitrary image data generated by the image reading apparatus) for transmitting such various control codes. The specific configuration, the configuration for wireless communication, or the drive for the memory card may be provided in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, a means for transmitting an image to a personal computer as in a normal image reading apparatus may be provided (not shown).

  Further, according to the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, as described in the “Disclosure of the Invention” section, the original image data read by the scanner unit 24 and digitized is corrected image data (reference image). The image data output from the image data output unit 22 and printed on the print medium by the printing apparatus 2 is used to obtain the desired image on the print medium using the image data obtained by reading the print image of the reference image with the scanner unit 24). Is corrected to be printed in the size or the desired layout. Therefore, a parameter memory 18 is further connected to the above-mentioned common bus 26, and it relates to correction image data, parameters necessary for correcting document image data (correction parameters), or other internal settings of the printing apparatus. Information is stored. Further, a reference image data memory 19 storing reference image data representing a reference image may be connected to the common bus 26 so that the reference image data can be used as appropriate under the control of the CPU.

Overview of Operation and Operation of Image Reading Apparatus 1 The image reading apparatus 1 according to the present invention selectively operates in a calibration mode or a normal mode.

  In the calibration mode, in short, the internal setting information of the printing apparatus (information on how the image data received by the printing apparatus is printed on the print medium) is an image of the print image printed by the printing apparatus 2. It is obtained by reading and analyzing with the reading device 1 and stored in the image reading device 1. The operations of the user and the operations of the image reading device 1 and the printing device 2 in this mode are as follows. Referring to FIG. 2A, when the start of the calibration mode is instructed by the user operating the operation panel 20 (C1), the reference image data is transmitted from the image reading apparatus 1 to the printing apparatus 2 (C2). ), The reference image is printed (C3). The reference image data is image data representing an image including a predetermined pattern and having a predetermined size (number of pixels). When the printing of the reference image is completed, the user sets the print image of the reference image on the image reading apparatus 1 (C4), and instructs to continue the process through the operation panel. In response to the user's instruction, the image reading apparatus 1 reads the reference image print image to generate correction image data (C5), and uses any of the methods described in detail later to correct the correction image data. From this, the internal setting information or correction parameters of the printing apparatus are calculated (C 6) and stored in the parameter memory 18. The reference image data is not stored in the reference image data memory 19 in advance, but the reference image drawn on paper or another medium is read by the image reading device 1 at the start of the calibration mode. May be generated. In that case, the operation of C1a is required.

  Generally speaking, in the normal mode, the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 24 is corrected using the internal setting information or correction parameters of the printing apparatus acquired in the calibration mode. Printing is performed on a print medium in a desired size or a desired layout. The operations of the user and the operations of the image reading device 1 and the printing device 2 in this mode are as follows. Referring to FIG. 2B, first, the user sets a document on the image reading apparatus 1, and instructs the start of the normal mode by operating the operation panel 20 (C13). At this time, the user may be able to appropriately set the number of prints (C11) and select the layout of the image on the print medium (C12) in advance. As a default setting, the number of prints may be one, and a perfect print mode (printing so that the entire original image matches the entire surface of the print medium) may be set as the layout. In response to the instruction for starting the operation in the normal mode, the image reading apparatus 1 reads the document image and generates document image data (C14). At this time, imposition of the document image data may be performed so that the print image is printed with the layout selected in C12 (hereinafter, the imposition processing of the document image data is referred to as imposition image data). .) Next, the corrected original image data is generated by correcting the original image data or the imposition image data using the correction parameters so that the original image is printed with the selected layout on the printing medium (C15), and the corrected original is generated. The image data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 (C16). Upon receiving the corrected document image data, the printing apparatus 2 prints an image according to the internal settings of the printing apparatus (C17).

  As will be described in more detail later, the corrected document image data transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 is in a state in which image data to be placed on the print medium is assigned within the print region of the corrected document image data, that is, the corrected document image data. The document image data or the imposition image data is placed on the print medium in the selected size or the selected layout in a state where the data is adjusted to be larger than the size of the print medium in the printing apparatus 2. To be prepared. Therefore, when the printing apparatus 2 executes the printing of the corrected document image data, if the size of the entire corrected document image data is adjusted so as to exceed the edge of the print medium, the entire print area in the corrected document image data is the print medium. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the peripheral portion of the original image data or the imposition image data from being inadvertently missing or the printed image from being printed in a size contrary to the user's expectations. Become.

  FIG. 3 shows the flow of signal processing in the calibration mode and the normal mode in the image reading apparatus 1 in the form of a functional block diagram. The “image correction unit 10a”, “correction parameter calculation unit 10b”, “JPEG encoder 10c”, “printer control unit 10d”, and “layout configuration unit 10e” described below are all realized by the operation of the CPU 10. It is what is done.

With reference to the figure, the calibration mode is selected through the operation panel 20 (in the figure, setting the first and second switches to "2".), The execution start of the processing is instructed, the reference image data The reference image data is output from the memory 19 to the JPEG encoder 10c, and the JPEG encoder 10c encodes the reference image data in the JPEG format. The reference image data in the JPEG format is output from the JPEG encoder 10c to the printer control unit 10d, converted into a printing apparatus control code, and then transmitted from the USB control unit 22 to the printing apparatus 2 in the USB control code format. The reference image data is not stored in the reference image data memory 19 in advance, but is acquired by reading a document on which the reference image is drawn by the scanner unit 24 at the beginning of the execution of the calibration mode. 10c may be output. Here, the JPEG format is adopted as the image format of the image data. However, other image formats such as the GIF format, the BMP format, or the RAW format may be used as long as the printing apparatus 2 supports the image format. .

  After the reference image is printed, and the printed image is set on the scanner unit 24 of the image reading apparatus 1 by the user, when the user instructs to continue the processing, the scanner unit 24 reads and corrects the printed image of the reference image. Image data is generated, and the correction image data is sent to the correction parameter calculation unit 10b. In the correction parameter calculation unit 10b, the correction image data is analyzed as will be described in detail later, the correction parameters calculated there are stored in the parameter memory 18, and the calibration mode ends.

When the normal mode is selected (in the figure, the first and second switches are set to “1”), and the start of processing is instructed, the scanner unit 24 scans the original and reads the original image. The document image data thus obtained is transmitted to the layout configuration unit (or imposition image generation unit) 10e. In the layout configuration unit 10e, “editing” or “imposition” of the document image data is performed so that an image is arranged in an arbitrary layout as will be described in detail later on the print medium. If the original image is printed as it is, the layout configuration unit 10e may be omitted. Regarding the layout of images on a print medium, the image reading / printing system of the present invention is difficult to edit images freely like a personal computer, so several layouts are prepared in advance, and the user can It is preferable that the layout can be selected from the operation panel 20.

  Thus, the original image data or the imposition image data (image data obtained by performing some layout editing or imposition correction on the original image data) that has passed through the layout configuration unit 10e is stored in the parameter memory 18 in the image correction unit 10a. By using one of the methods described in detail later, the imposition image data or the image represented by the document image data is displayed on the print medium as illustrated in FIGS. It is corrected to be printed. The image data thus corrected (corrected document image data) is transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 via the JPEG encoder 10c, the printer control unit 10d, and the USB control unit, and printing is executed.

  In both the calibration mode and the normal mode, when printing is not possible in the printing apparatus 2 (power is not turned on, paper is out, ink is out, etc.), a warning lamp etc. May be informed that printing cannot be performed. In addition, signals indicating processing interruption / suspension / resumption, the number of printed sheets, and other instructions from the user are transmitted to the scanner unit, printer control unit, or other processing unit via the operation panel 20. Good. Further, when the normal mode is executed or the correction parameter is not prepared when the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on, the user is warned of this, or the calibration mode is automatically selected. You may come to be.

  In the following, “calculation of correction parameters”, “layout configuration”, “generation of corrected document image data” and “operation of the operation panel” outlined above will be described in more detail.

In the correction parameter calculation / calibration mode, as described above, in the “correction parameter calculation unit 10b”, the reference image including the predetermined pattern output from the image reading apparatus 1 and the reference image data representing the reference image. Is compared with the print image (correction image data) printed by the printing apparatus 2, and the size of the image represented by the image data transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 on the print medium is transmitted to the printing apparatus 2. Of the obtained image data, the size and position of the area (print area) actually placed on the print medium is detected, and correction parameters used in the normal mode are calculated based on the comparison / detection result. Hereinafter, a preferable mode for calculating the correction parameter from the comparative analysis of the reference image data and the correction image data will be described.

(I) First Embodiment of Correction Parameter Calculation In the first embodiment of correction parameter calculation, an image as shown in FIG. 4A is used as a reference image as a printing apparatus. 2 and the print image is captured as correction image data.

The reference image of FIG. 4A has a dimension Xmax × Ymax, and has a rectangular (which may be rectangular) area A ₀ B ₀ D ₀ C ₀ as a predetermined pattern inside. The inside and outside of the rectangle each have uniform brightness, and most simply, the print medium is white (brightness value 255), so the inside of the rectangle may have any brightness. For example, since the printing apparatus 2 is a normal color printer, when printing a reference image, the luminance within the rectangular area in the RGB values is (R, G, B) = (0, Δ, 0) [Δ is , Any value], the outside of the rectangular area may be set as (R, G, B) = (255, 255, 255), but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the center of the entire area of the reference image data coincides with the center of the rectangular area, and each side of the rectangular area extends along the X or Y direction of the image data. However, other patterns may be employed for the purposes of the present invention. The size of the reference image data is preferably the same as the size of the image data read and generated in the reading area of the image reading device 1, but is different from the size of the image data generated by the image reading device reading the image. It should be understood that it may be.

When the reference image data in FIG. 4A is transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 and printed on the print medium by the printing apparatus 2, a print image (FIG. 4B) of the reference image is generated. As described above, the printing apparatus 2 prints the entire received image data so that it protrudes from the edge of the print medium. Therefore, the print apparatus 2 is indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 4A. The inside of the print area is printed. The correction image data is prepared by reading the print image of the reference image printed on the print medium by the image reading apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the dimension Xmax × Ymax of the reference image data is the same as the dimension Xmax × Ymax of the image data generated by the image reading apparatus reading the image, and the reading of the image reading apparatus is performed. Since the size of the area and the size of the print medium are the same, the size of the rectangular area ABDC of the correction image data is larger than the rectangular area A ₀ B ₀ D ₀ C ₀ of the reference image data. .

Of the image data transmitted to the printing apparatus 2, the area actually printed on the printing medium, that is, the size of the printing area of the image data, or the size of the image data transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 on the printing medium. Can be obtained from the ratio of the size of the rectangular area in the correction image data (FIG. 4B) to the size of the rectangular area in the reference image data (FIG. 4A) (magnification N). . Further, since the center of the rectangular area in the reference image coincides with the center of the entire reference image, the shift (shift amount) of the center position of the rectangular area in the correction image data from the center position of the correction image data. By detecting S), it is possible to specify the width and direction of the peripheral portion of the image cut out (extruded from the print medium) during printing by the printing apparatus 2 or the area actually printed in the image data. The size of the reading area of the image reading device is the same as the size of the print medium, and the size of the reference image is the same as the size of image data generated by reading the image of the reading area of the image reading device. The magnification N is the reciprocal of the ratio of the size of the print area of the image data to the size of the image data transmitted to the printing apparatus 2, and the ratio of the size of the print image (when printed without correction) to the original image. It corresponds to. [When the size of the reference image data and the size of the data generated by the image reading device reading the image are different, the scaling factor N is given by the following equation.
N = (k × Z) / (n × X)
Here, k is the reading resolution (pix / mm) of the image reading device, Z is the actual size (mm) of the print medium, X is the size (pix) of the reference image data, and n is the printing device 2. The ratio of the size of the print area of the image data to the size of the transmitted image data. In this embodiment, (k × Z) / X = 1. ]

The scaling factor N and the shift amount S may be calculated as follows. Referring to FIG. 4A, the coordinates of the vertices of the rectangular area of the reference image data are respectively A ₀ (X ₁ , Y ₁ ), B ₀ (X ₂ , Y ₁ ), C ₀ (X ₁ , Y ₂ ), D ₀ (X ₂ , Y ₂ ), and the coordinates of the vertices of the rectangular area of the correction image data are A (x ₁ , y ₁ ), B (x ₂ , y ₂ ), C (x ₃ , Y ₃ ), D (x ₄ , y ₄ ). When the aspect ratio of the reference image data and the correction image data is not changed, that is, when the printing apparatus 2 performs printing without changing the aspect ratio of the image data, for example, the ratio of the lengths of the diagonal lines of the rectangular area From the above, the scaling factor N is
N = BC / B ₀ C _{0
= {(X 2 -x 3)} 2 + (y 2 -y 3) 2} 1/2 / {(X 2 -X 1) 2 + (Y 1 -Y 2) 2} 1/2 ... (1)
Given by. Here, BC and B ₀ C ₀ are the lengths between vertices (the same applies hereinafter). Note that the length of the diagonal line of the rectangular area of the correction image data may be an average of the two diagonal lines.

When there is a possibility that the printing apparatus 2 may change the aspect ratio of the image, the X direction scaling factor N _X and the Y direction scaling factor N _Y are the sides of the rectangular area in each of the X direction and the Y direction. From the length ratio of
Magnification ratio in the X direction N _X = AB / A ₀ B ₀ or CD / A ₀ B ₀ (2)
Magnification factor in Y direction N _Y = AC / A ₀ C ₀ or BD / A ₀ C ₀ (3)
Is detected. For each scaling factor, the average of the two sides in the X direction and Y direction may be used as the length of the side of the rectangular area of the correction image data.

The center positions of the rectangular areas of the reference image data and the correction image data are respectively
Reference image data _{(C X,} C Y)
C _X = (X ₁ + X ₂ ) / 2; C _Y = (Y ₁ + Y ₂ ) / 2 (4)
Image data for correction (c _x , c _y )
c _x = (x ₁ + x ₂ + x ₃ + x ₄ ) / 4; c _y = (y ₁ + y ₂ + y ₃ + y ₄ ) / 4 (5)
Therefore, the shift amount S of the center position of the rectangular area of the correction image data (the deviation of the center of the print medium from the center of the reference image) is
Sx = C _X -c _x ; Sy = C _Y -c _y (6)
It becomes.

Thus, assuming that the size of the image data to be transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 is Xmax × Ymax from the above-described X-direction magnification N _X , Y-direction magnification N _Y and shift amounts Sx, Sy, The print area placed on the print medium is in the coordinate system of image data (that is, the coordinate system of the reference image) transmitted by the image reader.
For the X direction,
From _{(Xmax-Xmax / N X)} / 2 + Sx / N X to _{(Xmax + Xmax / N X)} / 2 + Sx / N X, ... (7a)
For the Y direction,
From (Ymax−Ymax / _NY ) / 2 + Sy / _NY to (Ymax + Ymax / _NY ) / 2 + Sy / _NY (7b)
(A region within a rectangle indicated by a broken line in FIG. 4A). The scaling ratio N (or N _X , N _Y ), the shift amounts Sx, Sy, or the coordinate value of the print area range are determined by the original image data (or the layout in which the original image data is selected) in the normal mode. The arranged imposition image data) is used for correction so as to be printed without protruding on the print medium (stored in the parameter memory as a correction parameter).

The coordinates of the vertex ABCD of the rectangular area of the correction image data are binarized using the appropriate threshold value Th (the luminance values inside and outside the rectangular area are 1 and 0, respectively). ), The correlation between the luminance distribution in the vicinity of each vertex of the rectangular area of the correction image data and the luminance value matrix (or kernel) M1 to M4 of 7 × 7 pixels shown in FIG. 4C. Cr = ΣNOT ( Mk (i, j) EXOR P (x + i, y + j)) (8)
Can be determined by calculating. Here, Mk (i, j) is the coordinate (i, j) of the matrix Mk (k = 1, 2, 3, 4) [i is the horizontal direction, j is the vertical direction, and −3 ≦ i ≦ 3. -3≤j≤3, the center coordinate of the matrix is the luminance value at (0,0)], and P (x + i, y + j) is the coordinate (x + i, y + j) in the correction image data. It is a luminance value. Further, NOT and EXOR are negation and exclusive OR, respectively, and Σ is the sum for i and j. The correlation Cr is obtained by superimposing the center (0, 0) of the matrix Mk on the coordinates (x, y) of the correction image data on the correction image data for each corresponding coordinate. The exclusive OR of the luminance and the luminance P of the correction image data is calculated (because it is a NOT operation, 1 is given when they match), and the value is in the range of the matrix Mk −3 ≦ i, j ≦ 3 This corresponds to the integrated value, and increases as the pattern of the matrix Mk (luminance distribution) and the pattern of the image data for correction are similar. As can be understood from the figure, each of the matrices M1 to M4 includes 4 × 4 matrixes including Mk (0, 0) in the lower right, lower left, upper right, and upper left in order to correspond to the luminance distribution near the vertex in the rectangular area. The luminance value of the element is “1”, and the values of the other elements are “0”. Therefore, the correlation between the matrix Mk and the correction image data is corrected at least in the vicinity of the vertex of the rectangular area (correction). When the calculation is performed on the image data (while shifting the center position of the matrix Mk), the positions (x, y) of the matrices M1 to M4 that give the maximum correlation value are A, B, C, and D of the rectangular areas, respectively. Specified as the coordinates of the position of each vertex. (Here, the detection method is referred to as “pattern extraction filter method”).

At each vertex, the correlation Cr is calculated within the range of image scaling inside the printing apparatus 2, printing paper feed error during printing, postcard size error, and the user scanning the document with the scanner unit 24. It may be set as appropriate assuming an error in which the set position error when set to is integrated. For example, since the vertex A of the rectangular area on the correction image data is expected to exist in the vicinity of the vertex A ₀ (X1, Y1) of the reference image data, the range for calculating the correlation Cr is
X1−δ ≦ x ≦ X1 + δ
Y1-δ ≦ y ≦ Y1 + δ
Is set. δ may be appropriately set in consideration of the amount of displacement. For example, when a maximum amount of displacement of 5 [mm] is assumed, since 5 [mm] corresponds to about 59 pixels at 300 DPI, δ = 59 Good to be.

  The apex coordinates using the correlation Cr are specified by, for example, the arithmetic processing described in the form of a flowchart in FIG. As an example, only the process of specifying the vertex A using M1 will be described. However, it should be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the vertexes B, C, and D can be specified in the same manner.

  Referring to the figure, first, x = X1-δ, y = Y1-δ, Crmax = 0 (Crmax is the maximum value of Cr) is set as the initial value of the correlation Cr calculation process using M1. (Step S11). Then, the correlation Cr at (x, y) is calculated in the range of −3 ≦ i and j ≦ 3 (step S12). If Cr is larger than Crmax (step S13), Cr is set as Crmax. Then, (x, y) at that time is stored as (xmax, ymax) (step S14). Next, the value of x is increased (step S15), and steps S12 to S15 are repeated until x> X1 + δ (step S16). When x> X1 + δ, the value of y is increased and x is returned to the initial value X1-δ (step S17), and steps S12-S15 are repeated until x> X1 + δ again (step S16). It is. Every time x> X1 + δ, the value of y is increased, and the newly calculated Cr is set so far while repeating the processing of steps S12-S17 until y> Y1 + δ (step S18). Crmax, (xmax, ymax) is updated each time when it exceeds Crmax. Thus, when y> Y1 + δ is satisfied (step S18), the maximum correlation value Cr in the region where the correlation is calculated is stored as Crmax. Will be. As already described, when the correlation value Cr is maximum, the correction image data pattern and the pattern of M1 are closest to each other. Therefore, the center positions xmax and ymax of M1 at that time are those of the vertex A. The coordinates are specified (step S19). The dimensions of the matrix may be arbitrarily set so as not to be affected by noise when the scanner unit 24 reads the print image of the reference image.

By the way, for example, the value inside and outside the rectangular area is binarized to (1, 0), and the integrated luminance value (ΣP (x, y): Σ is the sum of x and y) of the entire correction image data The scaling factor N can be calculated by obtaining the ratio of the overall luminance of the reference image data to the integrated value (ΣP ₀ (x, y): Σ is the sum of x and y). Further, the shift amounts Sx and Sy are obtained by calculating the displacement amount of the entire luminance centroid of the correction image data from the entire luminance centroid of the reference image data. (Because the luminance is 0 outside the rectangular area, the integrated value of the luminance of the entire image data is proportional to the area of the rectangular area, and the luminance centroid of the entire image data is the centroid of the rectangular area.)

(Ii) Second Embodiment of Calculation of Correction Parameter In another embodiment of correction parameter calculation, a reference image having a right triangle pattern as shown in FIG. 6A is employed. May be. In the figure, the right vertex O of the right triangle coincides with the center (Xmax / 2, Ymax / 2) of the reference image, and the vertices E and F are separated by d from the upper and left sides of the reference image, respectively. Are located at the points (Xmax / 2, d) and (d, Ymax / 2). The thickness of the side of the right triangle may be about 6 pixels, for example.

  When the reference image in FIG. 6A is passed through the printing apparatus 2, only the rectangular area surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 6 is placed on the print medium. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Printing is performed with E and F cut off. However, in the correction image data obtained by taking the print image of FIG. 6B into the image reading apparatus 1, points G (xg, d), H (xh) that are separated from the upper and left sides of the reference image by d. , D), I (d, yi), J (d, yj) and the printed image o (xo, yo) at the right vertex O, the geometric dimensions of the right triangle give the overall dimensions of the figure. And the position on the print medium can be specified. Thus, based on the size and position of the right triangle on the print medium, the scaling factor N and the shift amount S or the width and direction of the peripheral edge to be cut off are estimated.

Referring to FIG. 6 (B), magnification _{N Y} in the Y direction,
N _Y = (oH + v1) / OE
Therefore, using the relationship of v1 = HG · tan θ = h1 · tan θ,
N _Y = (yo−d + h1 · tan θ) / (Ymax / 2−d) (9a)
Here, h1 = xh-xg and tan θ = (yi-d) / (xg-d).
Also, the scaling factor _{N X} in the X direction, than h2 = IJ / tanθ = v2 / tanθ,
N _X = (oJ + h2) / OF
= (Xo−d + v2 / tan θ) / (Xmax / 2−d) (9b)
Here, v2 = yj−yi.
The shift amount S is
Sx = Xmax / 2-xo; Sy = Ymax / 2-yo (10)
Given in

  As in the case of the first embodiment, these values are stored in the parameter memory as correction parameters to be used for correcting the document image data or the imposition image data in the normal mode. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, in the above embodiment, a right triangle having a right vertex placed at the center of the image is used as the predetermined pattern. It should be understood that even if a part is cut out, any pattern may be employed in which the geometrical nature identifies the position and dimensions of the cut out part. It belongs to the scope of the invention.

  When calculating the above parameters, the correction image data is binarized so that the luminance value of the image of the triangle and the background is “1, 0”, for example, points G (xg, d), H (Xh, d) detects the position and width of the pixel column having the luminance value “1” in the (x, d) row of the correction image data (x = 0 to Xmax−1), and the pixel The center of the column is identified as point G or point H. As shown in FIG. 6C, in (x, d) row, (xn, d) to (xne, d) and (xm, d) to (xme, d) are luminance values. If it is “1”, it is specified as xg = (xne + xn) / 2; xh = (xme + xm) / 2. A method for detecting a pixel column having a luminance value “1” is, for example, sequentially inspecting the luminance values of the pixels in the (x, d) row of the correction image data, and the luminance value “1” of the pixels is 4 pix or more. This is done by determining that it is a pixel column when it is continuously detected (according to this method, a column with a luminance value “1” of less than 4 pix can be excluded as noise). Similarly, the points I (d, yi) and J (d, yj) have the luminance value “1” in the (d, y) column of the correction image data (y = 0 to Ymax−1). The position and width of the pixel column are detected, and the center of the pixel column is specified as a point I or a point J (not shown). The printed image o (xo, yo) at the vertex O is obtained by calculating the correlation Cr as described in the flowchart of FIG. 5 in the vicinity of the printed image o using the matrix M5 shown in FIG. May be determined.

(Iii) Third Embodiment of Calculation of Correction Parameter In another embodiment of calculation of correction parameter, the vertical and horizontal peripheral edges as shown in FIG. A reference image on which a plurality of (for example, nine) line segments are drawn may be employed. When the reference image is passed through the printing apparatus 2, as shown in FIG. 7B, the image data is adjusted so that the entire area of the image data protrudes from the print medium. Only the area inside the rectangular frame marked “medium” is printed with the line segments at the top, bottom, left and right edges cut off. In the reference image, the coordinates or pixels where the line segments are arranged are known, so by counting the number of line segments in the printed image, at each of the top, bottom, left, and right edges of the reference image The cut out width or number of pixels is estimated.

  The number of line segments on the correction image data is counted by binarizing the correction image data so that the luminance value of the line segment image and the background is “1, 0”. In the region where the column is expected to be arranged, the luminance value of the pixel is sequentially examined in the direction perpendicular to the line segment column, and the luminance value is changed from “0” to “1” or “1” to “0”. This may be done by counting the number of times of transition to "." At that time, in order to remove the influence of noise, only a case where the luminance value does not change in a predetermined section before and after the transition of the luminance value may be counted.

Thus, when the widths Wt, Wb, Wl, and Wr (units are the number of pixels) cut out at each of the upper, lower, left, and right peripheral portions in the reference image are specified, the area printed on the print medium (FIG. 7 ( A) (rectangular region surrounded by a dotted line) is detected from W1 to Xmax−Wr−1 in the X direction and from Wt to Ymax−Wb−1 in the Y direction.
N _X = Xmax / (Xmax−Wl−Wr) (11a)
N _Y = Ymax / (Ymax−Wt−Wb) (11b)
Given in The shift amounts Sx, Sy may also be calculated using Wt, Wb, Wl, Wr (shift amounts Sx, Sy are Sx = Nx × (Wl−Wr) / 2; Sy = Ny × (Wt−Wb). ) / 2.). The value thus calculated is stored in the parameter memory as a correction parameter.

(Iv) Fourth Embodiment of Calculation of Correction Parameter As another embodiment of correction parameter calculation, printing in which a cross pattern is printed in advance with high accuracy as shown in FIG. The reference image of the first to third embodiments is printed on a sheet by the printing apparatus 2, and the print image (FIG. 8B) is taken into the image reading apparatus 1 to generate correction image data. It may be. According to this embodiment, the correction image data can be analyzed in consideration of the inclination and deviation of the layout of the paper when the image reading apparatus 1 captures the print image of the reference image.

Referring to FIG. 8A or 8B, for example, three cross patterns α, β, and γ are measured from the center of the sheet with high accuracy at three locations relatively close to the corner of the sheet, respectively. Arranged at predetermined lengths Dx and Dy along the X and Y directions. Then, the print image on which the pattern of FIG. 8B is printed is taken into the image reading apparatus 1 as correction image data, and binarized so that the pattern and the background have luminance values “1, 0”, respectively. The Thus, in the vicinity of the cross patterns α, β, γ using the matrix M5 as shown in FIG. 6D, the image is similar to the method described in the description of the first embodiment. Are calculated, and α (x ₅ , y ₅ ), β (x ₆ , y ₆ ), and γ (x ₇ , y ₇ ) at the center coordinate position of the cross pattern are specified.

When α, β, and γ are specified, the center position (xpc, ypc) of the printing paper on the correction image data is
xpc = (x ₆ + x ₇ ) / 2; ypc = (y ₆ + y ₇ ) / 2 (12)
Can be determined. Further, the inclination of the printing paper with respect to the reading area of the image reading device 1 when the printing paper is set in the image reading device 1, in other words, the inclination of the printing image in the correction image data is shown in FIG. As shown, the angle θ is defined by the line connecting α to γ and the Y direction (dashed line) of the correction image data. That is,
_{θ = arctan ((x 7 -x} 5) / (y 7 -y 5))

Thus, by using (xpc, ypc) and the sheet inclination θ as the center position of the sheet, the shift between the center of the print medium and the center of the image data for correction (xpc−Xmax / 2, ypc−Ymax / 2) is obtained. After correction, in order to rotate the coordinates so that the line connecting α to γ coincides with the Y direction of the correction image data,
x ′ = (x− (xpc−Xmax / 2)) · cos θ + (y− (ypc−Ymax / 2)) · sin θ
y ′ = − (x− (xpc−Xmax / 2)) · sin θ + (y− (ypc−Ymax / 2)) · cos θ (13)
Thus, when the coordinate system (x, y) of the correction image data is converted into (x ′, y ′), the coordinate of the pattern (rectangular area ABCD) is represented in the coordinate system on the printing paper. . Then, values such as the scaling factor and the shift amount are determined by the method described in the above embodiment using the coordinate values after the coordinate conversion, and are stored in the parameter memory. Thus, according to the coordinate conversion described above, the correction parameters are calculated using the corresponding coordinates on the print medium, and therefore when the user sets the print image of the reference image on the image reading apparatus 1. Thus, it is possible to eliminate the error of the set position, that is, the deviation of the print medium from the reading area of the image reading apparatus. In the present embodiment, a cross pattern is used. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the same operation and effect can be obtained with other patterns, and such a case also belongs to the scope of the present invention. Should be.

(V) Fifth Embodiment of Calculation of Correction Parameter As yet another embodiment, an appropriate size (at least a size that cannot be cut out during printing) at the corner of the image as shown in FIG. A reference image provided with a “patch” may be used. When the reference image in FIG. 8D is passed through the printing apparatus 2, only the inside of the dotted rectangular area marked as the printing area is printed on the printing medium, and patches are also printed at the corners of the printing medium. The Therefore, if the reading area of the image reading apparatus 1 is larger than the printing medium, the area of the printing medium in the correction image data can be specified by detecting the position of the corner of the printing medium on which the patch is printed. Become. The coordinates of the vertices λ (x ₈ , y ₈ ), μ (x ₉ , y ₉ ), and ν (x ₁₀ , y ₁₀ ) corresponding to the corners of the print medium are rectangular regions in the first embodiment. It is detected in the same manner by using the correlation Cr when detecting the vertices. Using the coordinates of the vertices λ, μ, and ν, when the coordinates of the image data for correction are converted with λ as the origin, the image data is specified with the coordinates with the upper left corner of the print medium as the origin, and the correction image data In the analysis of the predetermined pattern, an error in the setting position when the user sets the print image of the reference image on the image reading apparatus 1 can be eliminated. In FIG. 8D, the rectangular area in the first embodiment is given, but the pattern in the second or third embodiment may be used.

Layout Configuration In the normal mode of the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, not only the read document image is printed with the same dimensions, but the document image may be printed in any of various layouts. . For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, a “multi-sided printing” mode, that is, a sticker sheet 50, that is, a plurality of (for example, 4, 9, 16, etc.) cutting frames 52 is applied. A mode in which the original image (FIG. 9B) is arranged in a layout that fits within each frame 52 on a sheet that can be used as a seal by removing the frames one by one can be executed. (FIG. 9C). Further, an edge or a margin with a predetermined width may be provided around the read original image (“print with border”). Preferably, several layouts are prepared in advance and may be programmed so that the user can appropriately select them.

  When the read original image is not printed with the same size, but is printed with a certain layout selected by the user, the layout component 10e uses plain image data of a predetermined size, for example, , Image data with the number of pixels X × Y and the luminance values of all pixels in RGB (255, 255, 255) is prepared, and the original image data is pasted in a predetermined area of the image data (“imposition”). ) In the case of “multi-sided printing”, for example, when the sticker sheet of FIG. 9A is used, the position corresponding to each frame area of the sticker sheet is specified in advance on the plain image data. . The document image data read by the image reading device 1 is reduced by any method known to those skilled in the art so as to match the size of the area of each frame of the sticker paper, and Affixed to the area corresponding to the position of the area (the luminance value of the pixel is replaced). In the case of printing with a border (not shown), a blank having a predetermined width is defined on the plain image data, and the original image data is appropriately scaled and pasted in an area inside the blank. The imposition image data with a border is generated. In multi-sided printing and bordered printing, an arbitrary color may be given to a blank area. In that case, the RGB value of plain image data is changed to an arbitrary value. It may be. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that imposition image data having an arbitrary layout can be generated by a process similar to the above process, and such a case is also within the scope of the present invention.

  By the way, when a document is set on the image reading apparatus 1, the position of the document may deviate from the reading area of the image reading apparatus, or the dimension of the document may be smaller than the reading area. In that case, the border of the original medium may appear in the image data read like a shadow. Therefore, in order to avoid such a margin of the original medium, the read original image data may be trimmed by a predetermined amount in the layout component 10e (trimming process). Typically, in the trimming process, when the entire document image data is sent to the image correction unit 10a substantially as it is, or when the layout configuration for the above-described multi-sided printing or bordered printing is performed, It is preferably performed prior to processing.

In the normal mode the generation of the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention the corrected original image data, in the image correction unit 10a, using a correction parameter, what like by the document image data or the imposition image data (layout forming unit 10e The corrected original image data is generated so that the image is printed with a desired layout on the print medium. The corrected document image data is image data in a state where document image data or imposition image data is assigned to the print area by several methods described below. As described above, when the printing apparatus 2 receives the corrected original image data and executes printing in the borderless printing mode of the printing apparatus 2, the corrected original image data is set according to the internal setting of the printing apparatus 2. The entire image is set to protrude from the print medium by a predetermined width, so that the print area of the corrected original image data is aligned with the print medium, and thus has a desired size or a desired layout on the print medium. The image is printed.

  In the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, with respect to the generation of corrected document image data, printing can be performed in any one of three modes, “perfect printing mode”, “borderless printing mode”, and “bordered printing mode”. May be configured as follows. Hereinafter, generation processing of corrected document image data in each mode will be described.

In (i) perfect printing mode perfect printing mode, assigned to imposition image data or the original image data whole matches the entire surface of the print area of the corrected original image data to be transmitted to the printer 2, thus, the correction When the document image data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 2, the imposition image data or the entire image of the document image data is printed so as to substantially match the entire surface of the print medium.

In one aspect of generating the corrected document image data in the perfect print mode, mount image data that defines the entire area of the corrected document image data is prepared. When the corrected document image data is generated without reducing the resolution of the imposition image data or document image data having a size of Xmax × Ymax, the dimensions of the mount image data are shown in FIG. Thus, N _X · Xmax × N _Y · Ymax. Then, the imposition image data or the document image data is in a rectangular area that is actually marked on the print medium in the figure and marked with “print area” in consideration of the shift amounts Sx and Sy in the mount image data. It is pasted. Specifically, since the size of the correction original image data is a _{N X · Xmax × N Y ·} Ymax, print area, in the image data carrier sheet,
For the X direction,
From (N _X Xmax−Xmax) / 2 + Sx to (N _X Xmax + Xmax) / 2 + Sx, (14a)
For the Y direction,
From _{(N Y Ymax-Ymax) /} 2 + Sy until _{(N Y Ymax + Ymax) /} 2 + Sy ... (14b)
It becomes the range. Accordingly, with the coordinates [x, y] = [(N _X Xmax−Xmax) / 2 + Sx, (N _Y Ymax−Ymax) / 2 + Sy] as the starting point SP, the luminance values of the entire area of the imposition image data or the document image data are mounted. By placing it in the image data for use, corrected document image data is generated. Further, according to the third embodiment for calculating the correction parameter, the width of the upper, lower, left and right peripheral edges to be cut out of the data received by the printing apparatus 2 is directly obtained. (N _X W1, N _Y Wt), (N _X (Xmax−Wr), N _Y Wt), (N _X W1, N _Y (Ymax−Wb)), (N _X (Xmax -Wr), N _Y (Ymax-Wb)). The corrected document image data may be generated by inserting imposition image data into a region surrounded by four points.

On the other hand, when the size of the mount image data is the same as the size Xmax × Ymax of the reference image data, the mount image data of the size Xmax × Ymax is prepared as shown in FIG. Imposition image data or the original image data is reduced to _{(Xmax / N X) × (} Ymax / N Y), affixed to the equation (7a, b) region shown in (printing area in the drawing) Thus, corrected document image data is generated. Further, according to the third embodiment of the correction parameter calculation, (Wl, Wt), (Xmax−Wr, Wt), using the data of the widths of the upper, lower, left and right peripheral edges cut by the printing apparatus 2, Corrected document image data may be generated by reducing and inserting imposition image data into an area surrounded by four points (Wl, Ymax-Wb) and (Xmax-Wr, Ymax-Wb).

In the generation of the corrected document image data described above, when N _X = N _Y = 1, zoom correction is not performed, and when Sx = Sy = 0, shift correction is not performed. . Depending on the design of the image reading apparatus 1 or the user's selection, only one of the correction by the variable magnification or the correction by the shift amount may be executed, and it is understood that this case also belongs to the scope of the present invention. Should.

In another aspect of generating the corrected document image data in the perfect print mode, the corrected document image data may be generated by adding imposition image data or frame data outside the periphery of the document image data. . The width of the frame to be added to the top, bottom, left, and right edges of the imposition image data or the document image data is based on the scaling factors N _X and N _Y and the shift amounts Sx and Sy, or a third parameter for calculating the correction parameter. In the case of the embodiment, it is easily obtained based on Wt, Wb, Wl, Wr (in the case of the third embodiment, when the size of the corrected document image data is Xmax × Ymax, Wt, Wb, Wl, The value of Wr becomes the width of the frame.) The generated corrected document image data is the same as that when the mount image data is used, but it is advantageous in that a memory for the mount image data is not required at the time of calculation, so that the memory can be saved.

  In any of the image data generated as described above (FIGS. 10A and 10B), the entire size of the corrected document image data is N times the scaling factor of the size of the corresponding print area. It should be understood that Therefore, when such image data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 and printed, the predetermined width of the image is projected from the print medium, that is, the entire image of the corrected document image data is N times the print medium. When the number of pixels per unit length of the image data is set, the size of the print area where the imposition image data or document image data is pasted (1 / N of the size of the corrected document image data) is It will match the dimensions. Further, the position of the center of the print area in the corrected document image data is shown in FIG. 10 in order to consider in advance the deviation between the center of the entire image represented by the image data and the center of the print medium when printing with the printing apparatus 2. For (A), only the shift amount Sx, y and for FIG. 10 (B), only Sx / Nx, Sy / Ny are shifted from the center position of the corrected document image data, so that the print region and the print medium are shifted. And the center position coincide with each other.

(Ii) Borderless printing mode In the above-described perfect printing mode, printing is performed so that the area read by the image reading apparatus matches the printing medium. However, when a document is set on the image reading apparatus 1, the position of the document may deviate from the reading area of the image reading apparatus, or the size of the document may be smaller than the reading area. In that case, the border of the original medium may appear in the image data read like a shadow. Further, in the printing device 2, it is impossible to perfect the accuracy of the size of the printing paper, the accuracy of the placement position when the user places the printing paper on the printing device 2, and the paper feeding accuracy of the printing device. If the print paper is larger than the specified size, if the print paper is placed at a position deviated from the specified position on the paper feed tray, or if the paper is skewed, an unintended margin will be created at the peripheral edge of the print medium. It can happen. Therefore, in the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the imposition image data or the entire area of the original image data seems to protrude from the print medium in order to prevent such a marginal copy of the original medium and the occurrence of unintended margins. (In the case of an ink jet printer, ink is sprayed by a predetermined width outside the print medium (over spray)), and printing can be performed to the edge of the print medium. “Borderless printing mode” may be executed.

  Referring to FIG. 11A, in the borderless printing mode, the imposition image data or document image data of the dimension Xmax × Ymax is only the width E from the left and right edges of the print area (of the transmitted image data). If it protrudes, in order not to change the aspect ratio of the image, the width of the imposition image data or document image data that protrudes from the upper and lower edges of the print area is E · Ymax / Xmax.

When it is desired to transmit imposition image data or document image data without changing the resolution, the dimensions of the corrected document image data transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 are
X direction is N _X · (Xmax-2E)
Y direction is _{Y Y} (Ymax-2E Ymax / Xmax)
And Therefore, the dimensions of the print area are
X direction is (Xmax-2E)
Y direction is (Ymax-2E · Ymax / Xmax)
It becomes. When the print area having such a size is printed on the print medium, the center of the print medium is shifted by the shift amounts Sx and Sy with respect to the center of the image data, so that the corrected original image on the coordinate system of the corrected original image data is displayed. Since the shift between the center of the data and the center of the print area is (Xmax-2E) / Xmax times the shift amounts Sx, Sy, it is given by (1-2E / Xmax) Sx, (1-2E / Xmax) Sy. It is done. Thus, in the correction original image data _{X = (N X · (Xmax} -2E) -Xmax) / 2 + (1-2E / Xmax) Sx
Y = ( _NY · (Ymax−2E · Ymax / Xmax) −Ymax) / 2 + (1-2E / Xmax) Sy (15)
Assuming that the imposition image data or document image data of the dimension Xmax × Ymax is pasted from the printing medium, the right and left edges protrude from the print medium by E and the upper and lower edges respectively protrude by E · Ymax / Xmax. The imposition image data or document image data in the rectangular area marked “print area” is printed on the print medium.

When generating such corrected document image data, the mount image data having the above dimensions may be prepared and the imposition image data or document image data may be pasted. Frame data may be added to the top, bottom, left and right edges. When adding frame data, the width data Wt, Wb, Wl, Wr of the widths of the upper, lower, left and right edges cut out by the printing apparatus 2 obtained in the third embodiment for calculating the correction parameters are used. The width of the value obtained by multiplying these data by N _Y (1-2E / Xmax) or N _X (1-2E / Xmax) is added to the corresponding peripheral portion of the image data. Further, when the size of the corrected document image data to be transmitted is made the same as the image size Xmax × Ymax at the time of reading by the image reading device 1, the imposition image data or the document image data in the X and Y directions respectively. _{, 1 / {N X (1-2E} / Xmax)} _{times, 1 / {N Y (1-2E} / Xmax)} scaled doubles (reduced), a coordinate value indicated by the formula (15) And the coordinates obtained by multiplying the X and Y directions by 1 / {N _X (1-2E / Xmax)} times and 1 / {N _Y (1-2E / Xmax)}, respectively, The original image data may be embedded in the corrected original image data as a starting point. In the above-described series of processing, the corrected document image data may be generated in consideration of only one of the scaling factor and the shift amount of the printing apparatus 2. It should be understood that it belongs to the scope of the invention.

  The “borderless printing mode” described above is the same as the principle in which the printing apparatus 2 prints the received image data so as to protrude from the printing medium according to its internal settings. However, in the case of the printing apparatus 2, the width of the peripheral edge to be cut out cannot be adjusted by the user, and differs depending on the model or setting of the printing apparatus 2. According to the “mode”, the width of the peripheral edge to be cut out can be made constant regardless of the internal setting of the printing apparatus 2. Further, the width E of the peripheral edge portion to be cut out by the setting of the image reading device may be adjustable by the user as will be described later in the explanation of “operation of the operation panel”. The adjustment of the width of the peripheral edge by the user is performed so that the ratio of the size of the corrected document image data to the document image data or the imposition image data is in a range greater than 1 and less than the scaling factor.

(Iii) Bordered Print Mode In the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, when the corrected document image data is generated, printing may be performed so that a margin or a margin is provided at the peripheral edge. Such a border or margin is provided when imposing image data is generated in the above-described layout configuration unit, and can also be obtained by printing in the perfect print mode. However, when the layout component is omitted in the apparatus 1, a border or a margin may be provided depending on the setting in the image correction unit 10a.

  Referring to FIG. 11B, when generating the corrected document image data, if margins of width F are provided on the left and right of the imposition image data of size Xmax × Ymax or the print image of document image data, the top and bottom width Is F · Ymax / Xmax. The size of the corrected document image data and the position of the imposition image data or document image data can be obtained by replacing E with -F in the expression shown in the description of the borderless printing mode. Further, in the generation of corrected document image data, mount image data may be prepared, and imposition image data or document image data may be pasted at a predetermined position in the image data. Frame data may be added to image data or document image data. Thus, in the obtained corrected document image data, the region actually placed on the print medium is within the rectangular region indicated as “print region” in the figure, so that F or F is placed at the peripheral portion of the document image data. • A margin of Ymax / Xmax is generated. Further, the margin width provided by the image reading apparatus may be adjusted by the user's setting, as will be described later in the explanation of “operation of the operation panel”.

Operation of the operation panel Figure 12 (A) shows an example of an operation panel 20 provided in the image reading apparatus 1 of the surface of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, on operation panel 20, power button 100 for turning on / off power of apparatus 1, start button 102 for instructing reading of a document image and start of printing, reading of document image, and In order to change the stop button 104 for stopping or stopping printing, the number of printed sheets, the digital display unit 108 for displaying the operation mode, layout mode, printing mode, etc. of the image reading apparatus 1, increase / decrease in the number of printed sheets, selection of layout, etc. The selection switches 110a and 110b and a switching button 112 for setting switching of various setting items are provided. Although not shown, an alarm lamp or the like may be provided for notifying the abnormality of the printing apparatus 2 and the unsaved correction parameters.

  As already described, the image reading apparatus 1 selectively operates in at least two modes of the calibration mode and the normal mode. For example, when the power button 100 is pressed while the image reading device 1 is not energized, the image reading device 1 is set to the normal mode, and the power button 100 and another arbitrary button are simultaneously pressed to perform calibration. The mode may be set. For example, when the calibration mode is selected, characters “CALIBRATION MODE” are displayed on the digital display unit 108. (FIG. 12B)

  The operation in the calibration mode is started by pressing the start button 102. When the start button 102 is pressed, the reference image data is automatically transmitted from the image reading apparatus 1 to the printing apparatus 2, and the reference image is printed by the printing apparatus 2. Next, when the printed image of the reference image is set in the image reading apparatus 1 and the start button 102 is pressed again, the print image of the reference image is read and image data for correction is generated, and the correction described above Parameter calculation and storage in the parameter memory are automatically executed. When the processing is completed, the mode may be shifted to the normal mode. The calculation of the correction parameter in the calibration mode may be executed by any one of the above embodiments. Which embodiment is adopted may be determined at the time of manufacture / adjustment of the apparatus 1, but may be selected by a user. Thus, in the calibration mode, basically, the user only has to press the start button 102 and set the print image of the reference image in the image reading apparatus 1.

  When the image reading apparatus 1 is set to the normal mode, “NORMAL MODE” is displayed on the digital display unit 108 and information on the setting item is displayed. The setting item is changed by pressing the switching button 112, and selection of one setting item may be performed by the selection switches 110a and 110b.

  For example, when the image reading apparatus 1 shifts to the normal mode, first, the setting of the number of prints is selected, and the number of prints is displayed on the digital display unit 108. In this state, either one of the selection switches 110a and 110b is pressed. Be changed. (FIG. 12C)

Accordingly, when the switch button 112 is pressed, the layout setting is selected, and the currently selected layout may be displayed on the digital display unit 108. The layout to be selected is changed by pressing the selection switches 110a and 110b, and the digital display unit 108 changes each time the selection switch is pressed.
For example, “full borderless printing”: the document image data is printed in the borderless printing mode (FIG. 12D). (It is not borderless printing by the internal setting of the printing apparatus 2) “Full bordered printing”... Is printed with a border around the document image data (FIG. 12E). “16-sided printing”... Is printed in the layout as shown in FIG. 9C (the perfect print mode is automatically set) (FIG. 12F). Other layouts may be prepared and selected as appropriate in advance.

  When “full borderless printing” or “full bordered printing” is selected, when the switching button 112 is further pressed, the width or margin of the peripheral edge cut off during printing can be adjusted. For example, when the switch button 112 is pressed, “k0” (or “F0”) is initially displayed on the digital display unit 108, and the cut width (or margin width) is displayed as 0 mm (read). The document is printed in the exact print mode.) Therefore, each time the selection switches 110a and 110b are pressed, the width setting is sequentially changed to 1 mm, 2 mm,... 9 mm, and the display on the digital display unit 108 is simultaneously changed to “k1”, “k2”,. Or “F1”, “F2”,... “F9”).

  Further, by pressing the switch button 112, other setting items are selected, the setting values are changed by the selection switches 110a and 110b, and the setting values may be displayed on the digital display unit 108.

  Reading and printing of the original image is performed by pressing the start button 102. When the start button 102 is pressed, as described above, the image reading apparatus reads the original image to generate original image data, and generates the corrected original image data according to the above various settings and using the correction parameters. Generate and output to the printing apparatus 2. The printing apparatus 2 prints an image of the received corrected original image data on a print medium according to its own internal settings. The corrected original image data is original image data or imposition image data having a desired size or a desired layout. Therefore, the image is printed as expected by the user regardless of the internal setting of the printing apparatus 2.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the internal configuration of the image reading apparatus 1. FIG. 2 shows a user's operation in the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, and a flow of operations of the image reading apparatus 1 and the printing apparatus 2. FIG. 2A shows the case of the calibration mode. (B) is the case of the normal mode. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a signal processing flow of the image reading apparatus 1 in the form of a functional block diagram. The first and second SWs are set to 2 in the calibration mode and set to 1 in the normal mode. FIG. 4A is a reference image used in the first embodiment of the correction parameter calculation in the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is the reference image of FIG. 5 is an example of correction image data generated by capturing a print image obtained by printing a reference image with the printing apparatus 2 with the image reading apparatus 1; The parentheses in the figure indicate coordinates (pixel positions) on the image data. A region surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 4A is a print region, and when the reference image is printed by the printing apparatus 2, it is printed on the print medium as shown in FIG. 4B. It becomes. It should be noted that the ratio between the size of the entire reference image and the size of the print area and the deviation between the center of the reference image and the center of the print area are exaggerated from the actual example for the purpose of explanation. FIG. 4C shows a configuration of the matrices M1 to M4 used for detecting the positions of the vertices A to D of the rectangular area in the correction image data. “1” and “0” in the frame indicate luminance values in the matrix. 5 is a flowchart showing an algorithm for detecting the position of the vertex of a rectangular area in correction image data using the matrix M1 in FIG. 4C. FIG. 6A is a reference image used in the second embodiment of the correction parameter calculation in the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a diagram of FIG. 5 is an example of correction image data generated by capturing a print image obtained by printing a reference image with the printing apparatus 2 with the image reading apparatus 1; The parentheses in the figure indicate coordinates (pixel positions) on the image data. A region surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 6A is a print region, and when the reference image is printed by the printing apparatus 2, it is printed on the print medium as shown in FIG. 6B. It becomes. It should be noted that the ratio between the size of the entire reference image and the size of the print area and the deviation between the center of the reference image and the center of the print area are exaggerated from the actual example for the purpose of explanation. FIG. 6C shows the luminance distribution in the vicinity of the point G and the point H in FIG. 6B, and is a diagram for explaining a method for specifying the point G and the point H. FIG. 6D shows the configuration of the matrix M5 used to detect the position of the point o in the correction image data shown in FIG. “1” and “0” in the frame indicate luminance values in the matrix. FIG. 7A is a reference image used in the third embodiment for calculating the correction parameter in the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is the reference image of FIG. The relationship between the reference image data and the print medium when the reference image is printed by the printing apparatus 2 is shown. A rectangular area marked as a print medium is printed on the print medium and is taken in by the image reading apparatus 1 to be generated as correction image data. FIG. 8A shows a printing sheet for printing a reference image used in the fourth embodiment of calculation of correction parameters in the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 8A shows a state where a reference image (first embodiment) is printed on the printing paper of FIG. The broken line in the rectangular area in FIG. 8B indicates the position of the rectangular area in the reference image data for comparison. FIG. 8C illustrates a method for calculating the inclination of the print image in the correction image data in the correction image data generated by taking the print image in FIG. 8B into the image reading apparatus. It is a figure to do. FIG. 8D shows a reference image used in the fifth embodiment of the correction parameter calculation in the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention. The parentheses in the figure are the coordinates (pixel position) on the image data. 9A is an example of a sticker sheet used in an image reading / printing system using the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a side view of the sheet of FIG. 9A. Indicates a document image to be attached. FIG. 9C shows an imposition image formed by imposing the image of FIG. 9B. FIG. 5 shows corrected original image data generated in the exact printing mode of the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10A shows corrected document image data prepared without reducing the resolution of the document image data, and FIG. 10B shows a corrected document prepared to have the same dimensions as the document image data. Image data is shown. FIG. 11A shows corrected document image data generated in the borderless printing mode of the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 11B shows the bordered printing of the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention. The corrected original image data generated in the mode is shown. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an operation panel of the image reading apparatus 1 of the present invention. The figure which shows a mode that it prints in the state in which the peripheral part of image data was missing when the borderless printing of a printing apparatus was performed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image reading apparatus 2 ... Printing apparatus 3 ... Upper plate of image reading apparatus 4 ... Operation panel and button 5 ... Cable 6 ... Memory card 24 ... Scanner part 50 ... Sticker paper 52 ... Sticker frame

Claims (26)

An image reading device that reads an image to generate and output image data,
An image detection unit that optically reads an image of a document and generates a signal representing the document image;
An image data generation unit for generating document image data based on a signal representing the document image;
An image data output unit that can receive image data in an arbitrary printing device that supports a predetermined communication standard, and that outputs an image corresponding to the image data by the printing device.
Further, reference image data representing a reference image including a predetermined pattern is output from the image data output unit, and a print image printed on a print medium by the printing apparatus is read by the image detection unit, and is read by the image data generation unit. An image correction processing unit that corrects the document image data based on the correction image data generated in the above-described manner. Optionally, the image correction processing unit has a desired size or size on the print medium in the printing apparatus. Corrected document image data obtained by correcting the document image data so that a print image corresponding to the document image can be printed in a desired layout is output via the image data output unit. Image reading device.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference image data is stored in a reference image data storage unit.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference image data is generated by reading a reference image document prepared in advance by the image detection unit.   2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image correction processing unit includes, based on the reference image data and the correction image data, an image represented by the reference image data output from the image data output unit. An image reading apparatus, wherein an area printed on a printing medium is detected by the printing apparatus, and the document image data is corrected based on information on the detected area.   5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image correction processing unit is printed on a print medium by the printing device among the dimensions of the reference image data output from the image data output unit and the image data. An image reading apparatus, wherein the size of the original image data is corrected based on a ratio to the size of image data corresponding to a region.   6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image correction processing unit prints on a print medium by the printing device in the reference image represented by the reference image data output from the image data output unit. An image reading apparatus that corrects the document image data based on the position of the region that has been set.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image correction processing unit calculates a size of a predetermined pattern in the image represented by the reference image data and a pattern in the image represented by the correction image data corresponding to the pattern. An image reading apparatus that corrects the document image data based on dimensions.   8. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the image correction processing unit includes a position of a predetermined pattern in an image represented by the reference image data and an image represented by the correction image data corresponding to the pattern. An image reading apparatus for correcting the original image data based on a position of a pattern inside.   2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size of the reference image data is the same size as the image data read by the image detection unit and generated by the image data generation unit. Reader.   2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image correction processing unit includes a dimension of a predetermined pattern in an image represented by the reference image data and a dimension of a pattern in the image represented by the correction image data corresponding thereto. And calculating a scaling factor that is a ratio of the dimension of the predetermined pattern of the reference image data to the dimension of the corresponding pattern in the print image, and corresponding to the original image based on the scaling factor. An image reading apparatus for correcting the original image data so that a print image has a desired size.   11. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image correction processing unit calculates a position of a predetermined pattern in an image represented by the reference image data and a pattern in the image represented by the correction image data corresponding to the position. A shift amount between a position of a predetermined pattern of the reference image data and a position of the corresponding pattern in the print image is calculated based on the position, and the print image corresponding to the document image is calculated based on the shift amount. An image reading apparatus that corrects the original image data so that is printed at a desired position on a print medium.   2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined pattern has a size that can be accommodated entirely in the correction image data.   2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of the predetermined pattern protrudes from the correction image data.   14. The image reading apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a width of a peripheral portion of the reference image protruding from the correction image data is calculated based on a size of a portion protruding from the correction image data of the predetermined pattern. An image reading apparatus.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image correction processing unit generates mount image data, and a print image corresponding to an original image is a desired size or desired on the print medium. An image reading apparatus for generating corrected original image data by pasting original image data on the mount image data so as to be printed in a layout of   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image correction processing unit is configured to allow the document image data to be printed on the print medium with a desired size or a desired layout on the print medium. An image reading apparatus that generates corrected document image data by adding frame data to a frame.   17. The image reading apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the document image data is reduced.   18. The image reading apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the image correction processing unit selectively outputs corrected document image data so that a print image is printed with substantially the same size as the document image. An image reading apparatus that generates the image reading apparatus.   18. The image reading apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the image correction processing unit selectively generates corrected document image data so that a margin is provided at a peripheral portion of the print image on the print medium. An image reading apparatus.   18. The image reading apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the image correction processing unit selectively prints a plurality of print images corresponding to the document image on a print medium in a desired layout. An image reading apparatus that generates corrected document image data as described above.   18. The image reading apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the image correction processing unit generates corrected document image data so that a peripheral portion of an image represented by the document image data is selectively cut off from a print medium. An image reading apparatus.   11. The image reading apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image correction processing section selectively corrects the original so that a ratio of the size of the corrected original image data to the original image data is in a range greater than 1 and less than a scaling ratio. An image reading apparatus for generating image data.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printing apparatus setting unit configured to set a size of a printing medium used in the printing apparatus or a number of dots of ink or toner per unit length during printing. An image reading apparatus.   2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is selectable to operate in a normal mode or a calibration mode, and when the calibration mode is selected, the reference image data is transmitted via the image data output unit. The correction image data is generated by reading the print image of the reference image data by the image detection unit, and when the normal mode is selected, the original image is output by the image correction processing unit. An image reading apparatus, wherein corrected document image data obtained by correcting data is output via the image data output unit.   25. The image reading apparatus according to claim 24, wherein when the calibration mode is selected, the image correction processing unit generates corrected document image data from document image data from the correction image data and the reference image data. Correction parameters necessary for the correction are automatically calculated and stored, and when the normal mode is selected, corrected document image data is automatically generated from the document image data using the correction parameters. An image reading apparatus. An image reading apparatus comprising: an image reading apparatus that reads an image to generate image data; and a printing apparatus that is connected to the image reading apparatus and receives the image data and prints an image corresponding to the image data on a print medium. For the printing system,
The image reading device is
An image detection unit that optically reads an image on a document and generates a signal representing the document image;
An image data generation unit that generates document image data of the predetermined image format based on a signal representing the document image;
An image data output unit for outputting arbitrary image data to the printing apparatus,
Further, reference image data representing a reference image including a predetermined pattern is output from the image data output unit, and a print image printed on a print medium by the printing apparatus is read by the image detection unit, and is read by the image data generation unit. An image correction processing unit for correcting the document image data based on the correction image data generated
By selectively correcting the original image data so that the image correction processing unit can print a print image corresponding to the original image in a desired size or a desired layout on a print medium in the printing apparatus. An image reading / printing system, wherein the obtained corrected document image data is output via the image data output unit.